Best Child Daycare & Preschools in Portland, OR
Compare 149 child daycare & preschools in Portland. Average rating: 4.55/5 stars. See top 10 ranked daycares, compare by type, and find the right childcare for your family.
Portland, Oregon at a glance
- Programs
- 149
- Avg rating
- 4.55/5
- Parent reviews
- 929
- Top rated (4.5+)
- 67
Portland has 149 licensed child daycare & preschools with 929 parent reviews averaging 4.55/5.67 are top-rated with 4.5+ stars — 67% of rated programs, well above average.The highest-rated options cluster around the 97212 zip code, averaging 5 stars across 19 programs.Start with our top-10 ranked list below or filter by philosophy.
Top 10 Best Rated Daycares in Portland
Ranked using a weighted score that combines Google rating with the number of parent reviews — daycares with more reviews rank higher than those with a high rating but few reviews. Last updated: March 2026.
- 1Creative Minds Learning Center - Gateway4.8 score5(20)
334 Se 146th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 45 children
Creative Minds Learning Center (Cadence Academy) Gateway receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, engaging staff and strong developmental outcomes for their children. Parents highlight the director Emily's supportive leadership, creative teachers, and smooth transitions to kindergarten, with families reporting their children thrived socially and academically during their time at the center.
Warm and engaging staffstrong social and academic preparation for kindergartencreative lesson plans and activitiesresponsive and communicative director - 2Overlook Collaborative Preschool4.78 score5(18)
1707 N Jarrett St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 12 children
Overlook Collaborative Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, welcoming environment and thoughtful, child-centered approach to education. Parents highlight the dedicated leadership of owner Erin and her teaching staff, along with the school's excellent daily communication and play-based learning model. Children are reported to show enthusiasm for attending, confidence growth, and strong social-emotional development.
Warm and welcoming environmentthoughtful and caring teacherschild-led/play-based curriculumdaily email updates with pictures and stories - 3St James Child Development Center4.77 score5(17)
1315 Sw Park Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 120 children
St. James Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the dedicated, long-tenured staff and warm community atmosphere. Parents report their children thrive academically and socially, with many staying enrolled for multiple years and willingly commuting despite distance to keep their children there.
Highly experienced and stable staff with low turnovercaring and attentive teachersstrong sense of community - 4Northeast Community Child Development Center4.74 score5(14)
1624 Ne Hancock St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Northeast Community Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently high praise from parents. The center is recognized for its experienced and caring staff, play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional growth, extended operating hours, and large secure outdoor courtyard. Parents particularly value the cooperative model that encourages parent involvement and the inclusive, community-oriented environment.
Experienced and dedicated long-term teacherswarm and caring staffplay-based curriculum with emphasis on social-emotional learningextended hours (7:30am-5:30pm) - 5Creative Minds Learning Center-Woodstock4.72 score4.9(20)
7103 Se 60th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 42 children
Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and socially. The director Estera is highlighted as responsive and organized, and the facility provides meals, enrichment activities, and outdoor play. Multiple families report their children have made significant developmental gains and enjoy attending.
Caring and attentive staffresponsive directorclean facilitymeals provided - 6David Douglas Day Care4.72 score4.9(20)
1610 Se 130th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 68 children
Parents consistently praise David Douglas Day Care for its caring, experienced staff, strong leadership, and inclusive environment. Children thrive academically and socially while parents appreciate the competitive pricing, flexible policies, and excellent communication. This family-owned business is described as special, with staff who genuinely love the children and attract quality families to their community.
Caring and patient teachersminimal staff turnoverre - 7Irvington Preschool Co-Op4.71 score5(12)
2710 Ne 14th Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: -999 children
Irvington Preschool Co-Op is a highly regarded play-based preschool in Portland where parents consistently praise the warm, respectful community and child-led learning approach. Teacher Sam is repeatedly highlighted as exceptional, deeply understanding individual children and fostering their social-emotional growth. The co-op model is valued for enabling meaningful family involvement and authentic community building.
Play-based learning environmentchild-led approachTeacher Sam's exceptional care and skillwarm and respectful community - 8Aprende Con Amigos LLC4.67 score5(10)
5206 N Interstate Ave, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Aprende con Amigos is a highly regarded Spanish immersion preschool in Portland where parents report exceptional experiences. Parents consistently praise the bilingual curriculum, caring and well-trained staff, strong child development practices, and nurturing environment that supports both academic and social growth.
Spanish immersion programbilingual language developmentthoughtful curriculum combining Waldorf/Montessori/Reggio Emilia approacheshighly trained and passionate staff - 9Aleph Bet Jewish Day School4.64 score5(9)
6612 Sw Capital Hwy, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 30 children
Parents consistently praise Aleph Bet Jewish Day School (The Gan) as a nurturing, safe environment that combines progressive education with Jewish cultural foundations. The director Mimi and teaching staff are highlighted as warm, experienced, and responsive, with children showing genuine enthusiasm for attending. Parents appreciate the balance of academic learning tailored to individual development and strong emotional support.
Warm and caring staffdirector's kindness and professionalismReggio method trainingindividualized learning pace - 10El Pilar School4.64 score5(9)
6805 Sw Vermont St, Portland, OR · Child Daycare & Preschools · Capacity: 43 children
El Pilar School is a highly-regarded center-based daycare in Portland with 25 years of operation under owner Imma. Parents consistently praise the caring staff, child development outcomes, and Spanish language instruction, with children showing enthusiasm for attendance. The facility prioritizes genuine care and structured learning over modern communication apps.
Caring and attentive staffstrong Spanish language developmentstructured daily schedulesmooth transitions between age groups
Rating Distribution
Based on 100 daycares with Google ratings in Portland
What Parents Value Most
Top qualities mentioned across 929 reviews, analyzed by AI
Daycare Types Compared
Average ratings by facility type in Portland, based on parent reviews
Best Rated Neighborhoods
Portland zip codes ranked by average daycare rating
| Zip Code | Daycares | Avg. Rating | Top Rated | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 97212 | 19 | 5 | 9 | |
| 97215 | 7 | 4.87 | 3 | |
| 97206 | 15 | 4.81 | 7 | |
| 97220 | 6 | 4.8 | 1 | |
| 97217 | 12 | 4.73 | 5 | |
| 97219 | 19 | 4.72 | 5 | |
| 97201 | 12 | 4.67 | 2 | |
| 97232 | 6 | 4.58 | 2 | |
| 97213 | 8 | 4.58 | 3 | |
| 97229 | 17 | 4.57 | 2 |
Facility Sizes
Capacity distribution of daycares in Portland (8–185 children)
Small
up to 30 children
75
Medium
31–75 children
106
Large
76–150 children
52
Very Large
150+ children
9
Top Rated
Highest rated daycares in Portland based on parent reviews
Creative Minds Learning Center - Gateway
334 Se 146th Ave, Portland, OR
Creative Minds Learning Center (Cadence Academy) Gateway receives universal 5-star ratings from parents who praise the warm, engaging staff and strong developmental outcomes for their children. Parents highlight the director Emily's supportive leadership, creative teachers, and smooth transitions to kindergarten, with families reporting their children thrived socially and academically during their time at the center.
Overlook Collaborative Preschool
1707 N Jarrett St, Portland, OR
Overlook Collaborative Preschool receives consistently high praise from parents for its warm, welcoming environment and thoughtful, child-centered approach to education. Parents highlight the dedicated leadership of owner Erin and her teaching staff, along with the school's excellent daily communication and play-based learning model. Children are reported to show enthusiasm for attending, confidence growth, and strong social-emotional development.
St James Child Development Center
1315 Sw Park Ave, Portland, OR
St. James Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently excellent feedback from parents who praise the dedicated, long-tenured staff and warm community atmosphere. Parents report their children thrive academically and socially, with many staying enrolled for multiple years and willingly commuting despite distance to keep their children there.
Northeast Community Child Development Center
1624 Ne Hancock St, Portland, OR
Northeast Community Child Development Center in Portland receives consistently high praise from parents. The center is recognized for its experienced and caring staff, play-based curriculum emphasizing social-emotional growth, extended operating hours, and large secure outdoor courtyard. Parents particularly value the cooperative model that encourages parent involvement and the inclusive, community-oriented environment.
Creative Minds Learning Center-Woodstock
7103 Se 60th Ave, Portland, OR
Parents consistently praise Cadence Academy for its caring, attentive staff and nurturing environment where children thrive academically and socially. The director Estera is highlighted as responsive and organized, and the facility provides meals, enrichment activities, and outdoor play. Multiple families report their children have made significant developmental gains and enjoy attending.
David Douglas Day Care
1610 Se 130th Ave, Portland, OR
Parents consistently praise David Douglas Day Care for its caring, experienced staff, strong leadership, and inclusive environment. Children thrive academically and socially while parents appreciate the competitive pricing, flexible policies, and excellent communication. This family-owned business is described as special, with staff who genuinely love the children and attract quality families to their community.
Map
Daycare types in Portland
Browse by type in Portland
Child Daycare & Preschools in Portland, Oregon
Portland offers a robust selection of 149 childcare and preschool facilities, providing parents with diverse options to suit their specific needs. Reviews highlight a strong emphasis on affordable pricing, safe environments, and caring staff across the city's various neighborhoods. Parents will find a wide range of approaches, from traditional daycare to specialized programs, ensuring there is a fit for every family.
Based on Google reviews, daycares in Portland have an average rating of 4.55 out of 5 across 100 rated facilities, with 67% scoring 4.5 stars or higher. Headstart Programs facilities lead with an average of 4.67 stars. Our analysis covers 929 parent reviews. Parents in Portland most frequently praise daycares for safe environment, affordable pricing, and caring and attentive staff.
When choosing a daycare in Portland, consider visiting facilities in person, checking their licensing status, and asking about staff-to-child ratios, daily routines, and safety policies.
All Child Daycare & Preschools in Portland
Showing 149 results
Parents consistently praise Lad 'n' Lassie for compassionate, attentive staff who provide individualized care and maintain strong communication with families. Children are reported to be happy, safe, and eager to attend, with staff going beyond typical daycare duties. The center is noted for reasonable pricing and flexibility with schedules.
- Address
- 3409 Se 164th, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
One parent reports loving the staff and positive experience for their children, while another notes the center previously accepted donations for families. However, severe allegations include racism, religious discrimination, unauthorized enrollment, negligence, and physical abuse involving police and CPS involvement.
- Address
- 8425 N Lombard, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
ABC University Preschool at Linnton Community Center receives mostly positive reviews praising the facility, staff friendliness, and community programs like yoga and food services. However, some parents report significant administrative issues including poor registration processes, inconsistent staffing, limited availability, and unresponsive management.
- Address
- 10614 Nw St Helens Rd, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Parents consistently praise Belmont Academy for its caring, attentive staff and personalized approach to childcare across all age groups. Families highlight the welcoming community, strong communication, quality activities, and reliable care that has kept many children enrolled for years.
- Address
- 3841 Se Belmont, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Bethany Village Montessori receives consistently high praise from parents, with all reviews rating it 5/5 stars. Parents highlight the stable, caring staff, genuine Montessori curriculum, daily communication through app with photos, and family-like atmosphere as key strengths. Children show notable improvements in academic skills, social development, and confidence.
- Address
- 15188 Nw Central Dr, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
A few parents highlight the center's strong staff, creative learning opportunities, and affordable tuition options, while one reviewer criticizes the curriculum for pushing political views on toddlers.
- Address
- 3829 Se 74th Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
One parent highlights the center's long-term stability, attentive teachers, and communicative administration, while another describes it as a loving and professional environment. Conversely, a third reviewer reports a significant decline in service quality following a contract loss, citing poor communication and inconvenient location changes.
- Address
- 3228 Sw Sunset Blvd, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Peninsula Children's Center receives mixed reviews. Most parents praise the caring, well-trained staff, structured activities, cleanliness, and developmental focus, with children reportedly enjoying attendance. However, one parent reported serious concerns about staff conduct, overcrowding, and facility conditions.
- Address
- 4720 N Maryland Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Grandma's Place Rose Quarter receives highly polarized reviews, with most parents praising the caring staff, daily communication, and child development, while a smaller group reports serious concerns including staff turnover, inadequate supervision, food handling errors, and management issues.
- Address
- 1730 N Flint Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
This appears to be a hospital (St. Vincent's Medical Center in Portland), not a daycare center. The reviews provided are for hospital departments including labor & delivery, cardiac care, and orthopedic surgery, not childcare services.
- Address
- 9205 Sw Barnes Rd, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Parents consistently praise Pixie Child Care for its caring, professional staff and welcoming environment. Multiple reviewers highlight the director's attentiveness, detailed daily communication, and the staff's genuine affection for the children. The facility has built strong long-term relationships with families, with some parents using the center for over a decade.
- Address
- 2740 Se 174th Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
KIDS INCORPORATED LEARNING CENTER receives mixed reviews with significant variation in parent experiences. Positive reviewers praise responsive staff, safety, cleanliness, and good communication, while negative reviewers report concerns about child hygiene, behavioral issues (profanity), staff responsiveness to problems, and strict nap time policies that restrict drop-off hours.
- Address
- 840 Ne 181st Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Growing Seeds North has experienced significant operational decline, with parents reporting severe staffing shortages, frequent closures, poor administrative communication, and serious safety incidents. While teachers are consistently praised as caring and dedicated, the facility's management issues have made it unreliable and difficult to use. Multiple parents indicate the center functioned better before 2020 but has deteriorated substantially since.
- Address
- 6505 Ne M L King Blvd, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Growing Seeds North in Portland has experienced significant operational decline, particularly since 2020. While parents consistently praise individual teachers as caring and dedicated, the facility suffers from severe staffing shortages, poor administrative communication, safety incidents, unresolved financial issues, and unaddressed union complaints. Multiple families report frequent requests to keep children home due to inadequate ratios and lack of follow-up on promised cr
- Address
- 6527 Ne Martin Luther King Jr Blvd, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 7334 Ne Siskiyou, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 9200 Ne Fremont, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 14750 Se Clinton, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 6651 Sw Capitol Hwy, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 3421 Se Salmon, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
Reviews are extremely positive with all 5-star ratings. However, most reviews appear to reference the Salvation Army as a shelter, food bank, or community center rather than the child care program specifically. Only one review directly mentions a child ('my daughter'), making it difficult to assess the daycare's actual performance.
- Address
- 2640 Nw Alexandria Ave, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 12218 Se Eagle Glen Dr, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 8500 Nw Johnson, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 8565 Sw Beaverton Hillsdale Hwy, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 1045 Nw 123rd, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 3120 Se Stark, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
KinderCare Naegeli in Portland receives highly polarized reviews. Most parents praise the warm, caring staff and strong communication, reporting their children thrive emotionally and developmentally. However, critical safety and cleanliness concerns have been raised, including a child breaching the facility's security and reported poor sanitation standards.
- Address
- 16915 Se Naigeli Dr, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
CCLC AT FRED MEYER receives mixed reviews ranging from 1-5 stars. Multiple parents praise the caring staff, individualized attention, and positive learning environment, while others report management issues, staff turnover leading to unpredictable closures, and concerns about how challenging behaviors are handled.
- Address
- 2215 Se Gladstone, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 7960 Se 15th, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 4801 Ne 19th St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
- Address
- 1133 Market St, Portland, OR
- Phone
- NOT AVAILABLE
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Frequently asked questions
- Licensing status with Oregon's regulatory agency
- Staff-to-child ratios (requirements vary by age group in Oregon)
- Safety measures and cleanliness
- Daily routines and educational curriculum
- Parent reviews and ratings
- Location and hours that fit your schedule
- Child Daycare & Preschools — 149 facilities
- Headstart Programs — 21 facilities
- Church Daycare — 3 facilities
- Before or After School Daycare — 72 facilities